Oxford Sparks Big Questions

By: Oxford Sparks
  • Summary

  • 'Will my bacon sandwich kill me?', 'Is vaping better than smoking?', 'How do you become an astronaut?' - just some of the Big Questions we ask some of the brightest minds behind Oxford science. Join us in each podcast as we explore a different area of science.
    Oxford University 2018
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Episodes
  • How do I keep my house cool without air conditioning?
    Jul 17 2024

    Summer is here, and with heatwaves forecast, how do we keep our homes cool without relying on air conditioning?

    In the UK, soaring summer temperatures can be brief but powerful. So, what can we do? Nicole Miranda, from the Department of Engineering, shares practical, energy-efficient and eco-friendly strategies to help you stay comfortable during the hot months. And yes, ice creams are encouraged!

    This is the final episode of this season. We hope that you have enjoyed learning the science behind the many weird and wonderful aspects of our world. If you have a big question, get in touch and we will try to find you an answer in the next season.

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    14 mins
  • What time is it on the moon?
    Jul 3 2024

    Scientists are returning to the moon, but when they get there, what time is it?

    Dr Carly Howett from the Department of Physics explains the basics: what time is, and how we found a globalised way of understanding time zones so we can meet for a 3pm coffee or international video call, and everyone is in the right place at the right time.

    But how does that translate to space and why could the consequences of incorrect timekeeping be disastrous for space craft docking missions?

    If you want to get to grips with the weird and wonderful world of lunar time, then tune in to our latest podcast to find out more!

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    15 mins
  • How can origami help make energy?
    Jun 19 2024

    Discover how the ancient art of origami is revolutionising sustainable energy!

    Researcher Jingyi Yang, from the Department of Engineering Science, has loved origami since childhood. Now she’s channelling that passion to tackle engineering challenges. Using the intricate papercraft to develop clam-like models, Jinyi’s creative engineering may be the key to improving the efficiency of energy produced by the waves hitting the UK’s coastline.

    Find out more about this imaginative approach to scientific discovery in this podcast!

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    13 mins

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